Be afraid, be very afraid
The British government is currently legislating to criminalise the possession of images - even if the pictures are of consenting fun and no-one was harmed. The Register’s John Ozimek has a good analysis of what the legislation would mean for the rest of us.
The short version is: If you use the internet for any purpose that might be construed as other than respectable – be afraid. Be very afraid. As the Bill stands, someone could be charged for owning images of acts that are lawful, but which could be construed as extreme pornography and also raises the spectre of police unable to prosecute someone on another unrelated matter taking a peek at their hard drive to see if they can get them for possession of porn.
Backlash has been campaigning against this legislation since it was proposed points out that there is only until 30th April left to fight this Bill and is urging everyone to write to a Lord.
Lords who support amendments are listed under “Contents” in Hansard here. More of them are needed to turn up on the 30th.
Lords whipped into supporting the present Bill are listed under “non contents”, whose minds might yet be changed by sensible arguments.
The Tories abstained. Persuading them to exercise their vote and preserve freedom of expression would also make a difference. Do it now.
Sunday 27 Apr 2008 | Paul | UK
